Full Job Description
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time
We are seeking a Staff Systems Signal Processing Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and verification of advanced signal processing solutions for complex sensor systems. The ideal candidate will be a technical leader with deep expertise in digital signal processing (DSP), algorithm development, and system-level performance analysis, capable of driving architecture decisions and mentoring junior engineers. This position is based out of Linthicum, MD and will be 100% on-site.
What You’ll get to Do:
- Lead the system-level architecture and design of signal processing chains for RF or multisensor systems, from requirements through verification
- Develop and analyze signal processing algorithms for detection, estimation, tracking, classification, filtering, and data fusion.
- Perform system modeling and simulation (e.g., MATLAB, Python, and/or C++) to evaluate concept performance, trades, and robustness under representative operational scenarios.
- Define and flow down system and subsystem requirements, including performance budgets, interfaces, and key design parameters.
- Partner with hardware, software, and integration teams to implement algorithms on embedded processors, FPGAs, or realtime platforms; support optimization and HW/SW partitioning.
- Conduct system performance analysis, including SNR/CFAR analysis, detection and falsealarm trade studies, sensitivity and robustness assessments, and endtoend verification against requirements.
- Lead or support lab/field test activities, including test plan development, data collection, data reduction, and posttest analysis.
- Prepare and deliver technical reviews and briefings to internal leadership, customers, and crossfunctional teams; clearly communicate complex technical concepts and tradeoffs.
- Provide technical leadership and mentoring to earlycareer and midlevel engineers in signal processing, modeling, and systems engineering practices.
- Support capture and proposal efforts by contributing to technical concepts, architectures, and requirements
This position is contingent upon the successful transfer of an active U.S Government Secret Clearance and the ability to obtain Special Program Access prior to start.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of experience, masters degree with 10 years of experience or Ph.D. with 8 year of experience in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, or related technical fields; an additional 4 years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- U.S Citizenship is required.
- A current/active U.S. Government Secret Clearance
- Ability to obtain Special Program Access (SAP) prior to start
- Experience with digital signal processing theory and application, including detection theory, estimation, filtering, spectral analysis, and timefrequency methods.
- Experience developing and analyzing algorithms in MATLAB, Python, or similar scientific computing environments
- Experience in systemlevel signal processing for radar or similar sensing systems.
- Experience with requirements development, system architecture, and verification in a structured systems engineering environment.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in crossfunctional, multidisciplinary teams
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters Degree or PhD in a STEM discipline
- Experience with realtime implementation of algorithms on embedded processors, FPGAs (e.g., VHDL/Verilog, HDLCoder, or FPGA tool flows), or GPUs.
- Experience with data fusion, multisensor tracking, machine learning applied to signal processing, or adaptive processing techniques.
- Background in DoD or aerospace/defense programs, including working with government customers, requirements documents, and gated reviews.
- Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, make architecture decisions, and influence system design across disciplines.
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
Primary Level Salary Range: $169,000.00 - $253,600.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidates experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.